Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett’s play this season has gained him national attention from media as well as those who draw up mock drafts.
Several notable experts now have Pickett going in the first round with ESPN’s Mel Kiper putting him as the first QB to be drafted in 2022 in the first round.
Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi said on the Zach Gelb show Thursday that while he doesn’t know if he’ll be the first quarterback to go in the draft, he’s definitely a first rounder.
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And could that pick be made by the Steelers? The Sporting News thinks so.
They have Pickett going to the Steelers with the 18th pick in the 2022 draft saying:
Pickett has surged into first-round consideration with other big-name QBs fading thanks to outstanding play to make the Panthers a formidable ranked offensive-minded foe in the ACC. He has natural deep-ball accuracy and football intelligence, both which profile well in the current Steelers offense under Matt Canada. The ideal successor is lining up for Ben Roethlisberger.
The Sporting News has Pickett at the fourth quarterback picked in the draft, with Liberty’s Malik Willis going first overall to the Detroit Lions, Matt Corral out of Ole Miss going ninth to the Washington Football team and Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder going 12th to Denver.
A lot will change between now and then, but the possibility of Pickett in black and gold at Heinz Field is gaining steam.